Single incision laparoscopic primary and incisional ventral hernia repair as the standard of care in the ambulatory setting; Does less equal better outcomes; Case series and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: The consensus about whether the single port approach is advantageous remains controversial. As the ambulatory service becomes the standard of care, techniques are in evolution to augment the patient experience in this setting. This forms the basis for evaluating SILS (Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery) prosthetic ventral hernia repair in the ambulatory setting. We report a SILS technique of ventral hernia repair using the Stryker Ideal-eyes articulating laparoscope and standard laparoscopic instruments in the day-case setting. PRESENTATION OF CASES: We report three cases of ventral hernias (one primary and two incisional). All were completed using single port techniques. They were done in the ambulatory setting and require no admission. Single incision laparoscopic repair of primary and incisional ventral hernias was completed successfully in all cases without conversion to standard laparoscopy. Median (range) operative time was 66min (39-95min). No intra- or postoperative complications were recorded. No episodes of prolonged postoperative pain were reported. We examine the literature and subsequently discuss the feasibility of ambulatory single port ventral hernia repair. CONCLUSION: SILS prosthetic repair of primary and incisional ventral hernia is easily feasible. In our series, SILS ventral hernia repair appears to be safe and effective. It may decrease parietal trauma augmenting its use in the ambulatory setting. Technology will continue to improve the wide applicability of this technique. Larger randomized trial studies are required to determine the rates of port-site incisional hernia compared with multiport laparoscopy.

Single incision cholecystectomy using a clipless technique with LigaSure in a resource limited environment: The Bahamas experience.

BACKGROUND: Scarless/single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) is a new procedure. It affords a superior cosmetic outcome when compared to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We examine the application of this technique using LigaSure via a clipless method. The present study looks at the experience of a single surgeon using this method with initial evaluation of the safety, feasibility, affordability, and benefits of this procedure. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients underwent transumbilical SILC at Doctors Hospital from January to December, 2014. The cohort included both emergency and elective patients. There was no difference in the preoperative work-up as indicated. To perform the operation, a 2-2.5-cm linear incision was made through the umbilicus and the single port platform utilized. A 10mm 30-degree laparoscope, a 5mm LigaSure and straight instruments were used to perform the laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure. RESULTS: All patients except two were operated on successfully. Conversion was considered the placement of an additional epigastric/Right upper quadrant (RUQ) port. The conversion rate to standard LC was 7%. No patient was converted to open cholecystectomy. In the 28 successfully completed patients, the median duration of the operation was 38.5min and estimated operative blood loss was 24ml. Patients were commenced on liquid diet immediately on being fully conscious and after return to the ward with an estimated time of 6h. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 1.4 days. Follow-up visits were conducted for all patients at 2-weeks intervals and continued for 6 weeks after surgery where possible. Two patients developed wound infections. All patients were satisfied with the good cosmetic effect of the surgery. The total satisfaction rate was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: SILC is a safe and feasible technique for operating with scarless outcomes and reducing perioperative discomfort at the same time. The GelPOINTTM is a safe and feasible platform to be used. The procedure can be accomplished using regular instruments and laparoscope. Curved instruments and a bariatric length laparoscope may make the procedure easier and result in greater time saving. The addition of LigaSure™ decreases the complexity of the operation, decreases operative time and blood loss. The technique is economical in a resource-limited environment.

A case of intra-abdominal hemorrhage secondary to peliosis hepatis.

INTRODUCTION: peliosis hepatis (PH) is a rare vascular condition of the liver characterized by the presence of cystic blood filled cavities distributed randomly throughout the liver parenchyma Tsokos and co-workers [1-6]. Peliosis is most commonly found in the liver but can also involve the spleen, bone marrow, lungs, and abdominal lymph nodes Tsokos and Erbersdobler [1]. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a case of peliosis hepatis diagnosed post laparotomy. She required a re-look laparotomy with removal of packs peritoneal lavage, placement of intraseed and subhepatic drain. The patient was discharged after an 11-day recovery period. CONCLUSION: We examine the literature and subsequently discuss the etiology and management of peliosis. Peliosis is a rare vascular condition of the liver characterized by the presence of cystic blood filled cavities. Causes are associated with a number of conditions, however, etiology is largely unknown. Management is overwhelmingly conservative except in a handful of cases.

A case of a paraduodenal hernia.

Paraduodenal hernias are rare hernias that result from error of rotation of the mid-gut. It can be discovered incidentally at laparotomy, seen on radiological imagining or infrequently cause intestinal obstruction. We report a case of a left paraduodenal hernia diagnosed intraoperatively after being operated on in the emergency setting for generalized peritonitis. He required resection of multiple loops of small bowel with primary anastomosis. The mouth of the sac was obliterated by suture apposition to the posterior wall. The patient was discharged on day 4 after an uneventful recovery.

Colonic perforation: a lethal consequence of cannabis body packing.

Body packing is one method of smuggling cannabis across international borders. The practice is prevalent in Jamaica. There has been one reported death from this practice in medical literature. We report a second fatal case of cannabis body packing, reinforcing the dangerous nature of this practice.